State Rep. Mike Shirkey says Jackson will have more strength in Lansing with his run for Senate

JACKSON, MI – If Republican state Rep. Mike Shirkey is elected to the state senate, he said Jackson will have greater strength in Lansing than it does now.

That's assuming Republican state Rep. Earl Poleski, R-Spring Arbor Township, is reelected to a final term representing the 64th District. The two currently work closely together in the lower house and both live in Jackson County.

Some speculated that Poleski would run, and he did think about it. So did State rep. Ken Kurtz who represents the 58th House District, which covers Hillsdale and Branch counties.

When asked if Shirkey thought it was late in the campaign season he said “take a look around, it’s not just me, it’s we,” he said as he looked at the packed room at the restaurant.

About 75 supporters attended the event. The “we” also includes his wife and family.

“It starts with my wife and my family, I wouldn’t have done this without her saying yes,” Shirkey said.

He said his priorities won't change. Shirkey has been dubbed the face behind the right-to-work push. Some of his priorities include jobs, healthcare and energy.

Prior to Caswell’s announcement, Shirkey planned to run for reelection to represent the 65th District, and now that seat is open. This has many speculating who will run for that seat now that Shirkey announced he no longer is.